40s Given Probation for Drugging Girlfriend's Wine with Zolpidem and Sexual Assault

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Dong-hoon] A man in his 40s who drugged his girlfriend's drink and sexually assaulted her was sentenced to probation.

The 12th Criminal Division of the Seoul Western District Court (Chief Judge Lee Jeong-min) on the 17th sentenced Kim Mo (41), who was indicted on charges of rape causing injury and violation of the Narcotics Control Act (psychotropic substances), to 3 years in prison with 4 years probation. He was also ordered to complete a 40-hour sexual violence treatment program and 80 hours of community service.

In May of last year, Kim gave A, his girlfriend at the time, wine laced with zolpidem, a psychotropic drug, and after A lost consciousness, he sexually assaulted her. After losing consciousness several times since dating Kim, A visited investigative authorities to request a drug test and uncovered Kim's criminal acts.

The court pointed out, "Considering the means and methods of the crime, and the circumstances under which the facts were revealed, the nature of the crime is very serious, and the defendant's attitude of denying the crime during the investigation is also unfavorable." It added, "Since the victim lost consciousness due to the drug, it is unlikely she consented to the one-sided sexual act, and the infringement on the victim's sexual self-determination caused by this incident is by no means light."

However, the court explained the sentencing reasoning, stating, "The victim agreed with the defendant and expressed a desire not to pursue punishment during the investigation stage," and "considering that the defendant fully admitted to the crime in court and has no prior criminal record."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.